Program Evaluation
Pragmatic Methods for Social Work and Human Service Agencies

This textbook balances methodological rigor with the practicalities of becoming a successful evaluator in service-oriented settings.

Allen Rubin (Author)

9781108835992, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 July 2020

264 pages, 11 b/w illus. 12 tables
25.9 x 18.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.58 kg

'Program evaluation provides a foundation for evidence-informed policy and practice in the social services. Human service professionals are key to developing that evidence. This book provides students and practitioners with the knowledge, values, and skills needed for such evaluations.' Edward J Mullen, Willma and Albert Musher Professor Emeritus, Columbia University

Be prepared for your future role in a service-oriented agency. This textbook provides practical guidance on program evaluation while avoiding replicating other course material. Drawing on over 40 years of subject knowledge, Allen Rubin describes outcome designs that are feasible for service-oriented agencies and that match the degree of certainty needed by key users of outcome evaluations. The utility and easy calculation of within-group effect sizes are outlined, which enhance the value of evaluations that lack control groups. Instructions are also given on how to write and disseminate an evaluation report in a way maximizes its chances of being used. Conducting focus group interviews and capitalising on the value of non-probabilitysamples will become second nature after following the effective and pragmatic advice mapped out chapter-by-chapter.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction and overview
2. Ethical and cultural issues in program evaluation
Part II. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Formative and Process Evaluations: 3. Needs assessment
4. Survey methods for program planning and monitoring
Part III. Evaluating Outcome in Service-Orientated Agencies: 5. Selecting and measuring outcome objectives
6. Inference and logic in pragmatic outcome evaluation: don't let the perfect become the enemy of good
7. Feasible outcome evaluation designs
8. Single-case designs for evaluating programs and practice
9. Practical and political pitfalls in outcome evaluations
Part IV. Analyzing and Presenting Data: 10. Analyzing and presenting data from formative and process evaluations
11. Anaylzing data from outcome evaluations
12. Writing and disseminating evaluation reports
Epilogue. More tips for becoming a successful evaluator.

Subject Areas: Clinical psychology [MMJ], Mental health services [MBPK], Social work [JKSN]